September Says review – intense twin-sister bond lead to things getting strange in rural Ireland | Film

September Says: A Twisted Tale of Sisterhood

French director Ariane Labed,known for her work in the greek New Wave,ventures into feature filmmaking with “September Says,” a chilling adaptation of Daisy Johnson’s acclaimed novel “Sisters.” The film, a haunting exploration of familial bonds and psychological turmoil, draws clear inspiration from literary giants Shirley Jackson and Stephen King, echoing their themes of domestic unease and the fragility of reality.

A Family Portrait Gone Wrong

The film centers on September (Pascale Kann) and July (Mia Tharia), two sisters whose close but unsettling relationship takes a dark turn. The sisters, born 10 months apart, are raised by their single mother, Sheela (Rakhee Thakrar), an artist who, in her quest to capture their unique personalities, poses them in unconventional and unsettling portraits. This unconventional upbringing, coupled with bullying at school, breeds a sense of alienation and vulnerability within the sisters.

September, the dominant and charismatic elder sister, exerts a controlling influence over July, who appears submissive and reliant on her sister for stability. The sisters’ dynamic is both captivating and unsettling, leaving viewers to question the line between love and manipulation.

“No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality,”

In their bid to escape the harsh realities of school and societal pressures, Sheela moves the sisters to their grandmother’s remote cottage on the Irish coast. It is indeed here that the narrative takes a surreal turn, venturing into a realm where the boundaries between reality and delusion become increasingly blurred.

Performances That Grip and hallucinations That distract

The film boasts strong performances from its lead actresses. Kann and Tharia embody the complex and nuanced relationship between the sisters, capturing both their fierce loyalty and their underlying tension. thakrar also delivers a compelling portrayal of a mother struggling to cope with the challenges of raising two unconventional daughters.

While the performances are undeniably powerful, the film struggles to find its footing amidst its ambition. The jarring shifts in tone and the over-reliance on sensationalistic imagery detract from the emotional core of the story. The inclusion of bizarre set pieces, such as a hallucination involving lemurs, feels gratuitous and ultimately undermines the film’s attempt to create a sense of genuine unease.

A Missed Possibility

“September Says” has the potential to be a thought-provoking and gripping exploration of sisterhood and the fragility of the human psyche. However, its uneven tone and reliance on shock value prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a film that lingers in the mind, but not always for the right reasons.

in what ways does “September Says” explore the complex and frequently enough blurred lines between love and manipulation within a familial relationship?

Archyde News Exclusive: Ariane Labed on ‘September Says’ and Exploring Sisterhood on Screen

Interview with French director Ariane Labed by archydenewseditor

Directorial Debut: A new Wave of Storytelling

archydenewseditor: “September Says” marks your first feature film after working extensively in the Greek new Wave. What drew you to Daisy Johnson’s novel and inspired you to adapt it for the screen?

Ariane Labed: The novel captured me with its raw exploration of the complex bond between sisters and the blurred lines between love and manipulation. I was also keen to explore how a dysfunctional upbringing can shape personalities and relationships.

archydenewseditor: Your background in the Greek New Wave is evident in your unique storytelling style. How did you translate that onto the big screen with “September Says”?

Ariane Labed: I wanted to bring the same honesty and authenticity to this film as I did to my previous work. I focused on capturing the complex emotions and dynamics between the sisters, rather than relying solely on shock value.

The Sisters: A Dance of Domination and Dependence

archydenewseditor: Pascale Kann and Mia Tharia deliver powerful performances as September and July. How did you guide them to capture the nuanced relationship between the sisters?

Ariane Labed: We worked closely together to understand the sisters’ dynamic. I encouraged them to explore the fine line between love and manipulation, ensuring both their performances felt genuine and complex.

archydenewseditor: the sisters’ relationship seems to blur the line between love and obsession. How would you describe their bond?

Ariane Labed: That’s an excellent observation. Their bond is indeed a mix of love, dependence, and manipulation. One sister needs the other to survive, yet that same dependence becomes a source of control and resentment.

Reality and Delusion: A Blurred Landscape

archydenewseditor: After moving to their grandmother’s cottage, the narrative takes a surreal turn. How did you balance the realistic portrayal of mental health issues with the supernatural elements?

Ariane Labed: For me, the supernatural elements were a manifestation of the sisters’ psychological turmoil. I wanted to create a world where reality and delusion blur, reflecting the sisters’ inner conflict and fragility.

archydenewseditor: In a world filled with similar psychological thrillers, what makes “September Says” stand out?

Ariane Labed: I believe it’s our honest exploration of the sisters’ relationship and the refreshingly complex portrayal of thes misunderstood characters. We avoid clichés and instead focus on the truth and nuance of their experiences.

A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers

archydenewseditor: what do you think readers should take away from “September Says”?

Ariane Labed: I’d like viewers to question the true nature of love and control in relationships, and to understand that mental health isn’t black and white. It’s a complex journey, and everyone deserves compassion and understanding.

We thank Ariane Labed for her time and insights. “September Says” is now playing in select theaters and will be available for streaming later this month.

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